Chickenscratch Jewelry

CHICKENSCRATCH is a Studio Jewelry Company founded in 1988 by the husband and wife team of Lisa and Scott Cylinder. We met while studying Jewelry and Metalsmithing at Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia. We decided to pool our respective knowledge and expertise to create a sophisticated, intelligent and fun line of Studio Multiples. We both design and create the work in our home studio and pride ourselves on our high degree of creativity and craftsmanship.

Most of our jewelry is made from base metals (brass, copper, nickel silver, and sterling silver) sheet and wire that is hand cut and manipulated. Each piece of CHICKENSCRATCH has been joined with silver solder for strength and durability. Many pieces incorporate clever cold-joining techniques, as well. We often use various plastics, found objects and whatever other materials strike our fancy.

The most important aspect of our jewelry is the imagery. It has narrative themes based upon fables, play on words and our observations. Within most of these tales are movable elements; Free swinging legs, tongues and tails... It is this kinetic facet that gives our jewelry its charm and character. We believe our work is very accesible due to this humorous, narrative nature and the viewers need to interact with the piece for "The Story" to be told.